Is Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida, begin by researching Volusia County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business tax receipt and compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals to certain residential areas. Contact Volusia County's planning department to verify your property is in a zone that permits short-term rentals, then obtain necessary permits including a vacation rental license (approximately $150-300 annually) and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property within 0.5 miles of the beach, as proximity to Wilbur-by-the-Sea's oceanfront drives demand, with typical 2-3 bedroom homes ranging $300,000-600,000 in this small beachside community. Furnish the property with coastal-themed décor, essential amenities like high-speed internet, air conditioning, beach equipment, and ensure it meets Florida's vacation rental safety requirements including smoke detectors and emergency contact information. List your property on Airbnb with professional photos highlighting ocean proximity and local attractions like nearby New Smyrna Beach, setting competitive rates around $150-250 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the rental by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with coastal properties, and consider hiring a property management company experienced with Volusia County's regulations, while maintaining responsive guest communication and ensuring compliance with the county's noise ordinances and parking restrictions that are particularly important in this quiet residential beach community.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach, particularly along Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Shore Boulevard, as proximity to the beach drives 60-80% higher nightly rates averaging $200-400 compared to inland properties at $100-200. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and outdoor areas, as these features command premium rates and attract families during peak season (March-August). Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate comparable properties within a 1-mile radius, aiming for properties that can achieve 65%+ occupancy rates with average daily rates of $250+ to generate $40,000-70,000 annual revenue. Research competition by analyzing the top 20 STR listings in the area through Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, while noting that Wilbur-by-the-Sea has approximately 150-200 active short-term rentals competing primarily on beach access and family-friendly features. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through Volusia County property records, while consulting with New Smyrna Beach-based property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who understand local regulations, seasonal demand patterns, and the area's appeal to repeat visitors from Georgia, North Carolina, and Central Florida markets.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida, you must apply through Volusia County's Planning and Development Services department since this unincorporated community falls under county jurisdiction. Begin by submitting a Special Exception application for short-term rental use, which requires a completed application form, property survey, site plan showing parking and landscaping, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, and a $750 application fee plus $200 for public notice advertising. You'll also need to obtain a Volusia County business tax receipt ($50-100 annually) and register with the Florida Department of Revenue for tourist development tax collection. The property must comply with zoning requirements (typically allowed in residential zones with restrictions), provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), meet fire safety codes, and maintain septic system compliance if applicable. Submit all materials to Volusia County Planning Department at 123 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720, and attend a required public hearing before the Board of County Council. The entire process typically takes 60-90 days from application submission to approval, after which you must renew annually and remit 5% tourist development tax monthly to the county, with additional requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, quiet hours enforcement, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida are generally legal but subject to Volusia County regulations and local restrictions. As an unincorporated community within Volusia County, Wilbur-by-the-Sea follows county ordinances that typically require STR operators to obtain business tax receipts and comply with zoning requirements, with most residential areas allowing STRs in single-family homes. However, many properties in Wilbur-by-the-Sea are located within homeowner associations or condominiums that may have their own restrictions or prohibitions on short-term rentals, particularly those with rental duration minimums of 30 days or more. Volusia County has implemented registration requirements and safety standards for STRs since approximately 2019-2020, including occupancy limits and parking restrictions. The beachfront location of Wilbur-by-the-Sea makes it attractive for vacation rentals, but operators must verify that their specific property and HOA covenants permit short-term rentals, as enforcement has increased in recent years with some communities pushing for stricter regulations due to concerns about noise, parking, and neighborhood character.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida are the beachfront properties along Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Shore Boulevard, which offer direct beach access and attract tourists year-round seeking oceanfront accommodations, particularly during peak seasons from March through August and holiday weekends. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of the beach, such as those along Dunlawton Avenue and Nova Road corridors, provide excellent investment opportunities due to their proximity to both the ocean and major attractions like the Daytona International Speedway (15 minutes away), making them attractive to racing fans during events like the Daytona 500 in February and Bike Week in March. Properties near the Port Orange city limits offer strategic positioning for business travelers visiting the growing medical and technology sectors in the greater Daytona Beach area, while still maintaining the quiet, residential appeal that families and couples seek for vacation rentals. The area's location between New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach provides guests with easy access to multiple entertainment districts, fishing charters, and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, creating consistent demand from both leisure tourists and visitors attending events at the Ocean Center and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Airbnb properties in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Florida state sales tax of 6%, the state tourist development tax of up to 6% (typically 5% in Volusia County), and local tourist development taxes imposed by Volusia County at approximately 4-5%. The total combined rate typically ranges from 15-17% on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are generally collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automatic tax collection system, which began around 2016-2017 for most Florida jurisdictions. Airbnb remits these taxes monthly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify coverage. The Florida Department of Revenue requires registration for short-term rental operators, and Volusia County may have additional registration requirements. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida, expect total costs around $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$500,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home near the beach. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and coastal décor appropriate for the area. Initial setup costs add $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies. Permits and fees total approximately $1,500-$2,500 including business license, vacation rental permit, fire safety inspection, and Volusia County registration requirements. Insurance costs $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage with higher liability limits. Utility setup and deposits require $500-$800 for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash services. First six months operating costs add $8,000-$12,000 covering utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for this coastal Florida market.

Airbnb properties in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 depending on property size and oceanfront proximity, generating annual revenues of $35,000-75,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-150 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-10% of revenue), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for successful operators. Success factors include oceanfront or near-beach locations within walking distance to the shore, professional photography showcasing the coastal lifestyle, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during peak seasons like spring break and summer months when demand from Orlando and Jacksonville visitors peaks. Properties featuring modern amenities, private pools, and accommodating 6-8 guests typically outperform smaller units, with some oceanfront homes generating over $100,000 annually while maintaining profit margins above 35% through effective cost management and premium positioning in this desirable Volusia County beachside community.

Airbnb investments in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Daytona Beach and seasonal tourism demand. Properties in this coastal community, particularly those within walking distance of the beach, can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak season (March-August) with average daily rates of $150-220 for 2-3 bedroom units. Initial profitability is generally reached within 18-24 months, factoring in property acquisition costs averaging $300,000-450,000 for suitable investment properties, renovation expenses of $15,000-25,000, and ongoing operational costs including property management fees of 20-25%, cleaning, maintenance, and local taxes. The market benefits from year-round appeal due to Florida's climate, Daytona International Speedway events, and the area's quieter alternative to busier beach destinations, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations where winter months may see occupancy drop to 40-50% with correspondingly lower nightly rates of $100-140.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations in Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Florida. Local real estate agents serving the area include Realty Pros Assured and Ocean Properties Real Estate, both established around 2015-2018, who have developed expertise in vacation rental investments along the Volusia County coastline. National services like Mashvisor (founded 2014) and AirDNA (established 2015) provide detailed Airbnb market analytics and property performance data for the Wilbur-by-the-Sea market. RedAwning, a vacation rental management company operating since 2009, offers property acquisition consulting services for investors looking to enter the short-term rental market in this beachfront community. Local property management companies such as Coastal Vacation Rentals and Daytona Beach Vacation Rentals, both operating since approximately 2012-2016, also assist investors in identifying and managing profitable Airbnb properties. BiggerPockets, the national real estate investment platform launched in 2004, maintains active forums and resources specifically for short-term rental investors in Florida coastal markets including Wilbur-by-the-Sea.